Songs from the Soil

Subject areas: Music & Science
The Ark presents an exciting new music show by Lauren Kinsella. Join three outstanding singers in a concert of stunning songs that reveal the strange and beautiful world of fungi – one of nature's most invisible kingdoms. For 3rd - 6th class

Welcome to the fungiverse! Be drawn into a miniature musical world, where three amazing vocalists - Lauren, Liselotte and Michelle forage for songs and sounds on a journey through the natural world. In this highly original music performance, our singers celebrate mushrooms of all kinds with their beautiful harmonies, thrilling improvisation and rhythmic melodies.

Did you know that fungi like to hide in secret places? They can be found everywhere - in carpets, in water droplets, on trees, underground in the soil... and even in space! Where else do fungi hide? What do they look like? Can they even glow in the dark? Find out in this concert filled with spine tingling harmonies and vocal acrobatics.

With intriguing songs by acclaimed singer and composer Lauren Kinsella and sound design by Chris Hyson, let the music guide you through the forest and discover fascinating fungi wonders along the way. You might encounter some Orange Peel Fungus or Green Elf Cup but be careful of the Yellow Sickener. Or perhaps you’ll find yourself singing about a Truffle or two!

Curricular Links

Perfect for 3rd - 6th classes, Songs from the Soil is a staged concert of contemporary songs all inspired by the mysterious world of fungi. In the show, the music is performed by three singers who also perform vocal improvisation as well as vocal harmonies. The combination of facts about the natural world expressed through music in the show means that both science and music curricular elements are woven together.

Download the Songs from the Soil Classroom Activity Pack Now

A free downloadable classroom pack is available which provides two linked lesson plans for both 3rd-4th classes and 5th – 6th classes. Choose the lesson plans suitable for the class age group you are teaching.

The first of each of these lessons is science based and provides ideas for exploring the science of mushrooms with your classes. Once some science knowledge has been discovered and explored, the follow on lesson focusses on music and provides enjoyable activities to help the children to express their science learning through music.

Take a look at the trailer